Project Profile: Wilson Station Reconstruction, Chicago

The Wilson Station Reconstruction project involved the comprehensive modernization of a critical Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) hub on the Red and Purple Lines. This $203 million undertaking replaced century-old infrastructure with a fully ADA-compliant station, new track systems, and modern signal technology. The project serves as a key case study in phased construction for minimizing operational disruptions on a high-capacity urban rail corridor.

Technical Specifications

The core of the project was the complete replacement of the station’s track and structural systems. This included the installation of a new elevated support structure, eliminating the previous ground-level support columns that obstructed pedestrian and vehicle flow on Broadway and Wilson Avenues. The track overhaul involved rebuilding all four tracks (northbound and southbound for both Red and Purple Lines) and associated viaduct structures. A major upgrade to the signal system was also implemented to improve service reliability and train movement through the station corridor.

The station itself was reconfigured with two new island platforms, enabling efficient cross-platform transfers between Red and Purple Line Express services—a unique capability between the Howard and Belmont stations. The new main stationhouse features a modern, glass-enclosed design with steel-framed canopies. Full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a primary technical requirement, met through the integration of multiple elevators, accessible ramps, braille signage, and wheelchair-accessible fare gates.

Key Takeaways

• Phased Construction Model: The project’s five-stage implementation, executed while maintaining active train service, provides a successful blueprint for complex brownfield rail upgrades in dense urban environments without full-line shutdowns.
• Integrated Accessibility Design: Rather than retrofitting, the project integrated full ADA compliance from the ground up, establishing a new standard for accessibility and passenger experience on legacy transit systems.
• Multi-Source Funding Strategy: The project’s financial structure, combining state (Illinois Jobs Now), federal (FTA), and local (TIF) funding, demonstrates a robust and replicable model for financing large-scale public infrastructure investments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the new Wilson Station open?

The fully reconstructed Wilson Station officially opened to the public in October 2017 after a multi-year, phased construction process.

Who built the new Wilson Station in Chicago?

The primary construction contract for the Wilson Station reconstruction was awarded to a joint venture between Walsh Construction and 2-in-1, operating as the Walsh/2-in-1 JV.